Girls Life Application Study Bible - Flipbook - Page 62
WHAT WE BELIEVE
In addition to telling the story of how you came to
faith in Christ, you may also have the opportunity to
share the basics of what Christians believe ABOUT . . .
God:
God not only exists and created the universe, including all
human beings, but he also loves all people, no matter what they
have done (see John 3:16). God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one
God, three persons (the Trinity).
The Bible: God has revealed himself in his Word, the Holy
Scriptures. Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired writers to faithfully
record what he wanted his people to know. Everything in the Bible is
true (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Jesus:
God the Father sent his Son, Jesus, to the earth (see
Philippians 2:5-11). He was born as a baby to the Virgin Mary. He
lived as a full human being but never sinned, even though he was
tempted in every way (see Hebrews 4:15). Eventually he was falsely
accused and condemned to death. Then on the cross, he suffered
and died for the sins of all who would believe in him, taking their
place. He was buried, but he rose from the dead on the third day
and now lives in heaven (see Acts 2:22-24, 32-33). Eventually he will
return to earth to set up his Kingdom (see Acts 1:9-11).
Holy Spirit:
Jesus promised he would send his Spirit to live in
believers and work through them in the world (see John 16:5-15). All
who have trusted in Christ as Savior have the Holy Spirit in them (see
Ephesians 1:12-14; 1 John 4:4).
Salvation: All people are separated from God because of sin (see
Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3). But God, in his love, provided
the way to forgiveness and eternal life by sending his Son to die on
the cross and be raised to life (see Romans 4:25; 1 John 4:9-10).
Now, those who trust in Christ as Savior have their sins forgiven
and are adopted into God’s family (see John 1:10-13; Galatians 4:5;
Ephesians 1:3-8).
6.8
Luke 2:52 tells us that “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and
in favor with God and all the people.” Try putting your name
in this verse and reading it aloud. Awesome, right? It is exactly
what God wants for all of his children—to grow in wisdom,
stature, and favor with him and those around us. One way to do
this is by developing skills that help us in our walk with God.
HOW TO PRAY
Prayer means having a conversation with God. You can talk
to him wherever and whenever you want. Do you want
some help? Try following this outline:
1
Thank God. Begin your prayer by thanking God for
2
ask god for forgiveness. Next, admit to God
who he is and what he has done. Thank God for his
love and his work in your life. Thank him especially for
sending Jesus to die for our sins.
what you’ve done wrong and ask for his forgiveness.
Be specific and include attitudes as well as actions.
He promises to forgive when you ask (1 John 1:9).
3
ask god for help.
This is where you bring every
aspect of your life to God. You can ask him for
anything—big and small, requests for yourself and
others. Keep a list of things you are praying for.
As you pray, you don’t have to say the words over and over
again. Don’t worry; God hears you the first time and knows
exactly what you need (see Matthew 6:7-8). And you don’t
have to use words that are meaningless to you, just because
you heard someone else say them.
God listens when you pray, and he will answer. (Check
out 1 John 5:14-15.) He may answer “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait.”
But he always answers.
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